Checklist for Finding an Apartment

by M.C. Postins

Searching for a new apartment can be a challenge, especially in large cities where there are a plethora of options. For many people, renting an apartment is the first step toward eventual home ownership. Be thorough and diligent when weighing whether to rent an apartment--most lease agreements last at least a year, after all. An exhaustive, successful apartment search features several important benchmarks.

Know What You Want

Knowing what you want in an apartment is the first thing to determine, according to AOL Real Estate. Some of your criteria will come down to money, including how much you have to spend for monthly rent and how much on a security deposit, whether you have pets for which you might have to pay extra, and how utilities are charged. Location is another key factor, as proximity to things like public transportation, your job or goods and services is important. You can do much of this research on your own using the Internet and apartment search engines.

Inside the Apartment

Once you’ve narrowed your candidates, visit each apartment and walk through it. You can find a list of features to look for inside apartments on consumeraffairs.com. Check all windows and doors to make sure they close and lock properly, and make sure every room in the apartment has a window that opens, except for enclosed areas like bathrooms and closets. Check for phone jacks in the living room and bedroom. Do not overlook the carpet. Consumeraffairs.com suggests wearing white socks around the apartment to determine how clean it is. And, if there's a water heater in the apartment, see if it's ventilated properly.

Outside the Apartment

Don't overlook the outside the apartment. Examine its surroundings. If you work late at night, note whether the parking lot is lighted. Check the cleanliness of any common area at the apartment complex. Also, all stairs should have railings and any balconies must be safe. Finally, determine the location of garbage cans and dumpsters. If you’re taking out your own garbage, check the distance from your door to the trash and the safety of the walk.

Moving In

One of the most important things to go over is the move-in checklist. Consumeraffairs.com urges thoroughness when inspecting the apartment and filling out the move-in checklist. That is your opportunity to point out damage or inconsistencies in the apartment before finally accepting a lease agreement. Your landlord will keep this document on record and refer to it when you move out. If the apartment incurs damage that is not listed on the checklist, you could be liable for the cost of repairs.

About the Author

M.C. Postins has been a writer and editor since 1995. His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines and websites across the country, such as the "Charlotte Sun-Herald" and the "Denton Record-Chronicle." He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University.

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